Private Group Adventure

Ultimate Joshua Tree National Park Private Group Adventure runs through Joshua Tree Tours and Experiences, LLC. Rated 5.0 across 25 reviews. Runs 4 hours. From $275.

Overview

This is a four-hour private tour of Joshua Tree National Park for a group of up to twelve people, run by Joshua Tree Tours and Experiences, LLC. Pickup from Los Angeles is arranged at the time of booking, and the group travels through the park in a private, air-conditioned van with a driver-guide who handles the driving and the commentary.

The route takes in some of the park's best-known features. Guests hike the Hidden Valley Nature Trail and Cap Rock Nature Trail, visit Keys View, follow the Banana Cracks Mediation and Nature Trail, and see the rock formations at Quail Springs. Along the way the guide talks through the park's history and geology, and reviewers repeatedly praise the guides for being knowledgeable, punctual and easy company. Several mention easy hikes at a leisurely pace and off the beaten path stops.

One reviewer's group of seven worked well, and another family with a ten year old had a good time climbing rock piles with the guide's help. Bottled water is provided, but the operator notes that a park entrance fee of $15 per person may be charged at the gate and is not part of the tour price.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup in Los AngelesThe guide collects the group from a pickup point in Los Angeles, set at the time of booking, and drives out toward the park in the tour vehicle.
2. Park entranceThe group stops at the entrance station, where an entrance fee of $15 per person may be charged.
3. Hidden Valley Nature TrailA hike on the Hidden Valley Nature Trail among the Joshua Trees and metamorphic boulders.
4. Cap Rock Nature TrailA walk on the Cap Rock Nature Trail, one of the easy hikes the listing highlights.
5. Keys ViewA stop at Keys View before continuing through the park.
6. Banana Cracks and Quail SpringsThe group follows the Banana Cracks Mediation and Nature Trail and views the rock formations at Quail Springs.
7. Return and drop-offDrop-off is included with the tour.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this tour before you book.

• Footwear. The listing is firm on shoes: comfortable, closed-toe hiking shoes, not heels, slippers or bare feet. Several easy hikes are involved, and one reviewer described a walk of about two miles. Trail shoes are the safe choice.
• Dress for the season. Winters in the desert are cold and summers are hot, so the listing advises warm layers in winter and light clothing in summer. A hat and sunglasses are recommended year-round for sun protection.
• Pace and fitness. Reviewers consistently describe the hikes as easy and relaxing, with a leisurely pace and time to take everything in. The listing calls them easy hikes on nature trails, so you should be comfortable walking on uneven desert terrain.
• Group feel. Because the tour is private, the guide adapts to the group. One reviewer said their guide offered choices of what to see and asked what the group preferred, and another mentioned off the beaten path spots that most visitors pass by.
• Water and snacks. Bottled water is included, and one reviewer noted the guide also carried chilled water and snacks.
• Kids and families. The tour works for families. One reviewer praised the guide's patience with their ten year old son, including leading them up rock piles for views.

Common issues. The park entrance fee of $15 per person is not included and may be charged at the gate. Alcohol, smoking and glass objects are banned in the vehicle and on the tour. Overall the reviews are positive, with no recurring complaints about the tour itself.

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